What we know and what remains unclear about flydubai flight incident

An incident involving a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv yesterday (30 September) has raised questions over whether it was a hijacking attempt, who attacked whom, the pilots' identities, and how the aircraft was brought to the ground.

Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 people, reportedly plunged sharply in mid-air after one pilot stabbed the other. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker, and the aircraft later landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Conflicting reports have since emerged across various media outlets over several key aspects of the incident. Here are some of the conflicting accounts:

Hijacking or not?

The aircraft reportedly transmitted a hijack code during the incident, while Israel's defence minister described it as a terror attempt. The prime minister, however, said he did not think it was a hijacking.

flydubai has described the incident only as an altercation involving crew members.

Who attacked whom?

Early reports differed over which pilot was responsible for the attack. Israeli officials later said the co-pilot stabbed the captain.

Captain's nationality

Reports have identified the captain differently, with some outlets saying he was Indian, while others described him as Emirati or Saudi.

The weapon

Passengers reportedly saw a knife, although Reuters could not independently confirm the weapon.

Some reports also mentioned an axe, which Israeli media said was part of the aircraft's emergency equipment.

Cockpit entry

Reports also differ over how the cockpit was accessed during the incident.

One account says passengers broke into the cockpit to intervene, while others reported that the stabbed captain opened the cockpit door.

Who landed the plane?

flydubai said the aircraft was landed by crew members who were on duty. Israeli media, however, reported that off-duty pilots took control of the aircraft and landed it.

Captain's condition

There are conflicting reports about the captain's condition. One report described him as being in critical condition, while another said he was stable.

The plunge

Reports also differ over how sharply the aircraft descended. Figures cited by different outlets range from about 17,000 feet in less than a minute to more than 20,000 feet over several minutes.

Motive

Israeli officials have described the incident as terrorism. An unconfirmed claim attributed to a pilot said the co-pilot was an extremist. US President Donald Trump suggested terrorism or mental instability as possible explanations.

Was everyone safe?

flydubai said all passengers were safe. Other reports said both pilots were hospitalised and that one passenger was also taken to hospital. Some reports mentioned minor injuries.

The co-pilot is in Saudi custody and has not been charged. The exact sequence of events and the motive have not yet been officially established.

Further details are expected to come to light as investigators continue examining the incident.